We have been in conversation recently with a community member who provided feedback on the experience of being part of a public deliberation. This panel member felt that there was a need for a much greater connection to be made between panel members. This article outlines some activities and suggestions for increasing the connection for a better outcome and improved experience for panel members.

As we start ‘spreading our wings’ and facilitating more face-to-face sessions we are finding new ways to mix up our processes and blending our insights from the last 12 months. As a result we have coined a new term ‘vrooming’ – this is when we blend mixed the face-to-face and virtual facilitation at the same time to bring the best of both worlds together.

Over the last year we have investigated and trialled a lot of different online tools. Whilst using these tools a few key insights have become clear to us.

In this article, we share some of the lessons we have learnt about deciding which online tool to use.

Major crises, like what we are experiencing currently with COVID-19 globally, impacts every aspect of our lives. In our roles as engagement practitioners, it is crucial we are sensitive to the changes and feelings our participants may have undergone or are currently feeling during this time.

This article provides four tips to keep in mind when facilitating during times of massive change.

Our new world of online conversations can raise challenges. Every meeting no matter how small or informal needs a lead person, whether that is a chairperson, a facilitator or simply the person who initiated the meeting.

There are many meetings for which a member of the group can take up this role. But when is it wise to appoint an external, independent facilitator? This post explores the five reasons you should give this role to a skilled facilitator.